[Fractal Trader]

That sonic boom also represents wasted energy. If we can eliminate the sonic boom, perhaps fuel economy at supersonic speeds would go up

I always wondered why fighters and bombers are so loud. Isn't it a waste of energy, or would it require more energy to silence them?

[NorthMountain]

Quieting jet engines (turbojet or turbofan) generally requires adding weight to them. That’s unnecessary weight in a combat aircraft that does nothing for combat capability. What I find interesting about them is the designers’ ability to direct the noise backwards. A jet fighter approching is almost inaudible to people on the ground ... when it passes overhead the sound goes from nil to deafening almost instantly. And no, it’s not because they’re supersonic.